Important
An American researcher will measure, for the first time, the Cultural Intelligence Scale in Moldova
American researcher Dr. R. Boyd Johnson will measure, for the first time, the Cultural Intelligence Scale in Moldova. It is also the first time when the scale is translated to Romanian. We interviewed him to find our more about his research here.
– Dr. Johnson, what is this Cultural Intelligence Scale? What does it measure precisely?
Let’s start with clarifying what cultural intelligence is. This concept was first introduced in the literature by researchers Ang & Van Dyne in 2003, and is defined as “an individual’s capability to function and manage effectively in culturally diverse settings” and across cultures.
Cultural Intelligence is measured on a 20 items scale provides a valid and reliable measure of a person’s ability to function effectively in culturally diverse situations, measuring primary factors which represent distinct capabilities: CQ-Drive, CQ-Knowledge, CQ-Strategy, and CQ-Action. (CQ stands for cultural quotient, just like in IQ)
– Why is it useful? Is it a purely academic endeavour or can the results of this research be used in any other way NGOs, government bodies or simply to improve public knowledge and awareness about some issues?
This is a very good question. The CQ is not a purely academic concept. It is extensively used in management, organizational psychology, leadership, and wide acceptance in business and even in the public sector. Cultural intelligence contributes to the successful operations of individuals in any sector.
-How did you choose Moldova?
Moldova is a country which has and is still undergoing major social, economic, and political changes, and in this context the need for researching cross cultural interaction and cultural intelligence in the country is rising.
Currently, Moldova is facing various structural changes and challenges, building international and European private and public partnerships, attracting investments, and generally speaking, the number of potential intercultural ventures at both private and public levels is increasing. Thus the cross-cultural interactions represent a prerogative for the successful development of various areas of Moldovan society. This includes an understanding of how Moldovans see the world beyond their borders, and how well equipped they are to successfully interact across cultures.
-Are there any similar studies in neighboring countries like Romania and Ukraine? If so, are there any ”curious” findings in these countries?
Interesting that you ask this. Yes, indeed, there are. I was able to measure Cultural Intelligence in Ukraine before the recent political changes.
In 2012-2014, together with a group of Ukrainian colleagues from Institute of Sociology Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and with the support of Dr. Svitlana Buko, we have organized a similar study in Ukraine. The project was implemented in three phases: translation and adaptation of CQS (1), testing of cultural intelligence scale (2), and application of the CQS to a national sample of Ukrainians in various regions throughout the whole country.
In the Ukrainian study, the respondents were also asked to identify their primary language to use in the questionnaire: Russian or Ukrainian. A comparison of these two groups’ responses also revealed important differences. In about two-thirds of the questions, the Russian speakers had higher levels of (self-reported) cultural intelligence.
However, in questions that measured flexibility in altering verbal behavior in cross-cultural encounters, and in knowledge of non-verbal behavior, the Ukrainian speakers scored higher. They also scored higher in their response to the statement, «I enjoy interacting with people from different cultures». And yet the Ukrainian speakers were significantly lower in their response to the statement, «I adjust my cultural knowledge as I interact with people from a culture that is unfamiliar to me». These findings may appear somewhat contradictory, but again historical factors may be relevant. Ukrainian speakers have had to adjust their verbal behavior due to periods of linguistic suppression, and this may have been subtlety passed on to current speakers of the language.
It certainly could have been a useful adaptive feature when dealing with surrounding countries and shifting national borders. All the findings from this Ukrainian national sample demonstrate that cultural intelligence is a concept that can be studied in Ukraine, with results that are relevant from sociological, historical and even psychological perspectives.
-At what stage is the research right now?
The project started in November 2014, and the field work was launched end of February. The CQS project in Moldova is following the Ukrainian design and has also three phases: (1) the adaptation and translation of the instrument. We have organized already two focus groups, in the urban and rural areas, as we wanted to see how the local population perceives the items on the scale, and to identify correct formulations and finalize the scale in Romanian language. These two focus groups were really revealing, and we have learned a lot about the CQ perception and CQ understanding in Moldova. (2) The second phase included the testing of the scale and currently we are preparing to launch in the last phase of the project in September.
In this third phase, CQS will be applied to a large national sample in Moldova (throughout the country). We want to have a representative study, which will allow us then to make a comparative analysis of the Moldovan and Ukrainian results.
-What are the initial results or expectations?
We would like to see perceptions of Moldovans about Cultural intelligence and measure CQS of Moldovans. I also want to look at both similarities and differences compared to the Ukrainian study. At the same time, there are specific historical, cultural and social aspects, which have impacted those elements that CQS is measuring.
During the focus group discussions of the concepts, the participants from both the urban and the rural areas were very open and have provided answers, examples and improvement suggestions related to the scale items. Though it is premature to make some conclusions at this point, I can state that the focus groups participants have had very different interpretations of the CQ scale items meaning.
–Who’s on the team? Locals or Americans, students, volunteers, professors?
This is a Moldovan – American project. While I am the main investigator in this research, we have a Moldovan research coordinator, Diana Mirza-Grisco, who ensures the smooth running of the processes, as well as the development of the content. We also have a partner institution in Moldova, who has supported the study by running the data collection – Magenta Consulting, as well as other US-based experts, and European-based associate researchers, who support with peer reviewing and additional input.
-What do you think about the state of local social sciences? What areas are ok and what should be improved?
It would be difficult for me to answer this question. I have visited Moldova for a few days only, so far, and I do not have direct contacts at the universities from Moldova. But I can reflect on the experience I had with this project. Our initial plan was to work with a local university or academics representing the university, which could have helped the study with data collection. But it was very difficult to secure such a partnership. Though we have reached out to several institutions, we were not successful. Then we have turned to a well-established private agency, which has extensive experience in the field, including data collection in marketing and social sciences studies: Magenta Consulting. The consultants from this agency have been very professional, demonstrating excellent skills.
-When will the study be ready and how will the results be presented here?
We plan to finalize the study by mid October. The results will be presented to Moldovan media during a press-conference, which will take place toward the end of October. I am also looking forward sharing the findings of the studies in peer-reviewed academic journals.
-Any other thoughts on Moldova in general?
Yes, I’m finding that Moldova is a fascinating country, with an interesting history. As a person trained in anthropology, I fully enjoy getting to know new cultures, and Moldova is a society that’s a blend of many traditions and historical influences. From a researcher’s perspective, it’s a wonderful area to study. And from a personal perspective, it has some of the best food I’ve ever had — and I’ve been to over 60 countries. And the wines are truly exceptional!
– Thank you very much.
– Thank you.
Society
“They are not needy, but they need help”. How Moldovan volunteers try to create a safe environment for the Ukrainian refugees
At the Government’s ground floor, the phones ring constantly, the laptop screens never reach standby. In one corner of the room there is a logistics planning meeting, someone has a call on Zoom with partners and donors, someone else finally managed to take a cookie and make some coffee. Everyone is exhausted and have sleepy red eyes, but the volunteers still have a lot of energy and dedication to help in creating a safe place for the Ukrainian refugees.
“It’s like a continuous bustle just so you won’t read the news. You get home sometimes and you don’t have time for news, and that somehow helps. It’s a kind of solidarity and mutual support,” says Vlada Ciobanu, volunteer responsible for communication and fundraising.
The volunteers group was formed from the very first day of war. A Facebook page was created, where all types of messages immediately started to flow: “I offer accommodation”, “I want to help”, “I want to get involved”, “Where can I bring the products?”, “I have a car and I can go to the customs”. Soon, the authorities also started asking for volunteers’ support. Now they all work together, coordinate activities and try to find solutions to the most difficult problems.
Is accommodation needed for 10, 200 or 800 people? Do you need transportation to the customs? Does anyone want to deliver 3 tons of apples and does not know where? Do you need medicine or mobile toilets? All these questions require prompt answers and actions. Blankets, sheets, diapers, hygiene products, food, clothes – people bring everything, and someone needs to quickly find ways of delivering them to those who need them.
Sometimes this collaboration is difficult, involves a lot of bureaucracy, and it can be difficult to get answers on time. “Republic of Moldova has never faced such a large influx of refugees and, probably because nobody thought this could happen, a mechanism of this kind of crisis has not been developed. Due to the absence of such a mechanism that the state should have created, we, the volunteers, intervened and tried to help in a practical way for the spontaneous and on the sport solutions of the problems,” mentions Ecaterina Luțișina, volunteer responsible for the refugees’ accommodation.
Ana Maria Popa, one of the founders of the group “Help Ukrainians in Moldova/SOS Українці Молдовa” says that the toughest thing is to find time and have a clear mind in managing different procedures, although things still happen somehow naturally. Everyone is ready to intervene and help, to take on more responsibilities and to act immediately when needed. The biggest challenges arise when it is necessary to accommodate large families, people with special needs, for which alternative solutions must be identified.
Goods and donations
The volunteers try to cope with the high flow of requests for both accommodation and products of all kinds. “It came to me as a shock and a panic when I found out that both mothers who are now in Ukraine, as well as those who found refuge in our country are losing their milk because of stress. We are trying to fill an enormous need for milk powder, for which the demand is high and the stocks are decreasing”, says Steliana, the volunteer responsible for the distribution of goods from the donation centers.
Several centers have been set up to collect donations in all regions of Chisinau, and volunteers are redirecting the goods to where the refugees are. A system for processing and monitoring donations has already been established, while the volunteer drivers take over the order only according to a unique code.
Volunteers from the collection centers also do the inventory – the donated goods and the distributed goods. The rest is transported to Vatra deposit, from where it is distributed to the placement centers where more than 50 refugees are housed.
When they want to donate goods, but they don’t know what would be needed, people are urged to put themselves in the position of refugees and ask themselves what would they need most if they wake up overnight and have to hurriedly pack their bags and run away. Steliana wants to emphasise that “these people are not needy, but these people need help. They did not choose to end up in this situation.”
Furthermore, the volunteer Cristina Sîrbu seeks to identify producers and negotiate prices for products needed by refugees, thus mediating the procurement process for NGOs with which she collaborates, such as Caritas, World Children’s Fund, Polish Solidarity Fund, Lifting hands, Peace Corps and others.
One of the challenges she is facing now is the identifying a mattress manufacturer in the West, because the Moldovan mattress manufacturer that has been helping so far no longer has polyurethane, a raw material usually imported from Russia and Ukraine.
Cristina also needs to find solutions for the needs of the volunteer groups – phones, laptops, gsm connection and internet for a good carrying out of activities.
Hate messages
The most difficult thing for the communication team is to manage the hate messages on the social networks, which started to appear more often. “Even if there is some sort of dissatisfaction from the Ukrainian refugees and those who offer help, we live now in a very diverse society, there are different kind of people, and we act very differently under stress,” said Vlada Ciobanu.
Translation by Cătălina Bîrsanu
Important
#WorldForUkraine – a map that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against Russian aggression
The international community and volunteers from all over te world have launched #WorldForUkraine as a platform that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against the Russian aggression. In a digital world – it is an interactive map of public support of Ukrainians under the hashtag #WorldForUkraine – rallies, flash mobs, protests around the world. In the physical dimension – it is your opportunity to take to the streets and declare: “No to Putin’s aggression, no to war.”
„Today, along with the political and military support, emotional connection with the civilized world and truthful information are extremely important for Ukraine. The power to do it is in your hands. Join the #WorldForUkraine project and contribute to the victorious battle against the bloodshed inflicted on Ukraine by the aggression of the Russian Federation”, says the „about the project” section of the platform.
Go to the streets — Tell people — Connect and Unite — Become POWERFUL
Volunteers have launched #WorldForUkraine as a platform that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against Russian aggression. In digital world – it is an INTERACTIVE MAP of public support of Ukrainians worldforukraine.net under the hashtag #WorldForUkraine – rallies, flash mobs, protests around the world. In the physical dimension – it is your opportunity to take to the streets and declare: “No to Putin’s aggression, no to war.” There you may find information about past and future rallies in your city in support of Ukraine. This is a permanent platform for Ukrainian diaspora and people all over the world concerned about the situation in Ukraine.
So here’s a couple of things you could do yourself to help:
* if there is a political rally in your city, then participate in it and write about it on social media with geolocation and the hashtag #WorldForUkraine
* if there are no rallies nearby, organize one in support of Ukraine yourself, write about it on social media with geolocation adding the hashtag #WorldForUkraine
The map will add information about gathering by #WorldForUkraine AUTOMATICALLY
Your voice now stronger THAN ever
All rallies are already here: https://worldforukraine.net
Important
How is Moldova managing the big influx of Ukrainian refugees? The authorities’ plan, explained
From 24th to 28th of February, 71 359 Ukrainian citizens entered the territory of Republic of Moldova. 33 173 of them left the country. As of this moment, there are 38 186 Ukrainian citizens in Moldova, who have arrived over the past 100 hours.
The Moldovan people and authorities have organized themselves quickly from the first day of war between Russia and Ukraine. However, in the event of a prolonged armed conflict and a continuous influx of Ukrainian refugees, the efforts and donations need to be efficiently managed. Thus, we inquired about Moldova’s long-term plan and the state’s capacity to receive, host, and treat a bigger number of refugees.
On February 26th, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Moldova approved the Regulation of organization and functioning of the temporary Placement Center for refugees and the staffing and expenditure rules. According to the Regulation, the Centers will have the capacity of temporary hosting and feeding at least 20 persons, for a maximum of 3 months, with the possibility of extending this period. The Centers will also offer legal, social, psychological, and primary medical consultations to the refugees. The Center’s activity will be financed from budget allocations, under Article 19 of Provision no. 1 of the Exceptional Situations Commission from February 24th, 2022, and from other sources of funding that do not contravene applicable law.
The Ministry of Inner Affairs and the Government of Moldova facilitated the organization of the volunteers’ group “Moldova for Peace”. Its purpose is to receive, offer assistance and accommodation to the Ukrainian refugees. The group is still working on creating a structure, registering and contacting volunteers, etc. It does not activate under a legal umbrella.
Lilia Nenescu, one of the “Moldova for Peace” volunteers, said that the group consists of over 20 people. Other 1700 registered to volunteer by filling in this form, which is still available. The group consists of several departments:
The volunteers’ department. Its members act as fixers: they’re responsible for connecting the people in need of assistance with the appropriate department. Some of the volunteers are located in the customs points. “The Ministry of Inner Affairs sends us every day the list of the customs points where our assistance is needed, and we mobilize the volunteers”, says Lilia Nenescu.
The Goods Department manages all the goods donated by the Moldavian citizens. The donations are separated into categories: non-perishable foods and non-food supplies. The volunteers of this department sort the goods into packages to be distributed.
The Government intends to collect all the donations in four locations. The National Agency for Food Safety and the National Agency for Public Health will ensure mechanisms to confirm that all the deposited goods comply with safety and quality regulations.
The Service Department operates in 4 directions and needs the volunteer involvement of specialists in psychology, legal assistance (the majority of the refugees only have Ukrainian ID and birth certificates of their children); medical assistance; translation (a part of the refugees are not Ukrainian citizens).
According to Elena Mudrîi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, so far there is no data about the number of Covid-19 positive refugees. She only mentioned two cases that needed outpatient medical assistance: a pregnant woman and the mother of a 4-day-old child.
The Accommodation Department. The volunteers are waiting for the centralized and updated information from the Ministry of Labor about the institutions offering accommodation, besides the houses offered by individuals.
The Transport Department consists of drivers organized in groups. They receive notifications about the number of people who need transportation from the customs points to the asylum centers for refugees.
The municipal authorities of Chișinău announced that the Ukrainian children refugees from the capital city will be enrolled in educational institutions. The authorities also intend to create Day-Care Centers for children, where they will be engaged in educational activities and will receive psychological assistance. Besides, the refugees from the municipal temporary accommodation centers receive individual and group counseling.
In addition to this effort, a group of volunteers consisting of Ana Gurău, Ana Popapa, and Andrei Lutenco developed, with the help of Cristian Coșneanu, the UArefugees platform, synchronized with the responses from this form. On the first day, 943 people offered their help using the form, and 110 people asked for help. According to Anna Gurău, the volunteers communicate with the Government in order to update the platform with the missing data.
Translation from Romanian by Natalia Graur
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